Senior Designer, Handbags - Temp

Steve Madden•New York, NY

20h•$60 - $70•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Designer - Temp is responsible for leading the creative direction and execution of the seasonal collections. This position supports the Wholesale Handbags business. The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on-site five days per week.

Requirements

Experience with trend forecasting, fabric/trims sourcing, and execution in apparel
Deep understanding of handbag construction, fit, sewing techniques, and quality control
Experience working cross-functionally with merchandising, technical design, and production
Excellent communication skills and ability to articulate design rationale
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple lines/projects under tight deadlines
Experience mentoring or leading a small design team
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Handbag Design, Textile Design or related field experience
Minimum of 6+ years’ experience designing women’s apparel (or relevant category)
Strong hand sketching ability
Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop
A portfolio showcasing design work (collections, sketches, flats, executed garments)
Fluency in CAD or 3D garment visualization tools
Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills

Responsibilities

Lead design direction for one or more accessories categories
Conceptualize seasonal themes, mood boards, color stories, silhouette direction
Create sketches, flats, tech packs, and detailed spec sheets
Oversee sample development: fit reviews, revisions, approvals
Collaborate with merchandising to balance creative vision with sales goals and margin targets
Identify fabrics, trims, prints, embellishments, and source vendors
Attend showrooms, trend shows, and trade fairs to gather inspiration and monitor market
Mentor junior designers and review their work
Work with production and sourcing teams on costing, lead times, and vendor partnerships
Review pre-production and production samples, provide feedback and final approvals
Occasionally assist with marketing, lookbooks, and seasonal presentations
Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned